How to Know When a Job Candidate Is Lying

Instructions

Step 1: Research the previous employer Research the previous employer listed on the resume. Some job candidates list fake past employers. Check the Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau website for the company.

TIP: Do a reverse telephone search on the internet to see whose phone number is listed.

Step 2: Run a background check Run a background check to learn the truth about your job candidate's work history, dates of employment, and residences.

Step 3: Give a pre-employment test Administer a pre-employment screening test to measure candidate's honesty. If they are dishonest on the test, it's a fair assumption they are dishonest about other things.

Step 4: Get the details Ask specific follow-up questions to get as many details as possible. A fake story will fall apart under careful scrutiny.

TIP: Request recent pay stubs or a tax return if you think the candidate is lying about their previous salary.

Step 5: Watch for facial expressions Watch your job candidate's facial expressions. Look for a lack of movement in their eyes and forehead, which could indicate insincere facial expressions.

FACT: According to a 2008 survey, 10 percent of job candidates admitted to lying about their academic degree on a resume.